20th Feb'10: Derby 22 -
05 Market Bosworth
A tale of the good, the bad and
the ugly this one. Let’s start with the ugly. Apart from
some of the lads who are no oil paintings, the Vets pitch
was a mudbath, that made the footing claggy at best, and
downright treacherous at worst, especially when play was
anywhere near the parts of the pitch that have been torn up
on Tuesday and Thursday nights, or the “pond” area in the
dip!
The good was the combination of some really good tries,
including a hat trick by Lewis Thompson and a fine final try
of the game from James O’Halloran (who joined the line from
his fullback position at just the right moment). Lewis
showed that his new nickname could be “Twinkletoes” when he
danced his way through most of the Bosworth team, from one
side of the pitch to the other, and at least half its length
for his second! There was also some really hard work by the
forwards, who showed that they can ruck and maul when they
put their minds to it, not only to gain significant ground
when in possession, but also to create important turnovers
in defence. The defence work overall was excellent, and
Bosworth really never looked like scoring apart from when
they exploited the single Derby lapse of attention to create
a 5 on 2 situation from only 10 yards out. This they made
good use of despite a valiant effort from TTD who answered
the call for more bodies and nearly managed to put the
Bosworth lad into touch with a flying tackle at the corner
flag, but couldn’t get hold of enough body or shirt to do
so. Rory “Stret” Sharratt added the remainder of Derby’s
points from a single conversion, but in the muddy conditions
kicking points was always going to be very difficult. Other
highlights included Eddie Worthington’s kicking out of
defence and in attack, including the crossfield kick that
Lewis neatly took to score his first try after only a few
minutes of kickoff.
The bad was the inevitable pointless kicking away of hard
won ball on occasion (leading to some distinctly p…..d off
forwards, as well as the ball usually coming straight back
to where it came from but this time in Bosworth’s
possession). There was also some slow ball when quick ball
would have carved through the defence who had not yet
organised themselves, and vice versa, quick ball when our
own attacking formation was incomplete. There was also the
usual tendency to run across the field instead of straighter
lines, something the Bosworth coach commented on after the
game. He asked who the sub was who came on with 10 minutes
left, and who transformed the game that had become bogged
down (literally and figuratively) and been scoreless for 30
minutes, by running some better lines, shortly after which
we got our last try. (Well done and welcome back “Plastic”
Joe Cooper!).
Overall a good result lads, and the bad points were by far
out shadowed by the good! As Phil pointed out afterwards,
you had “played all the good rugby” on the day. Roll on the
cup!
Photographs from the game
can be viewed in the
Photograph
Galleries
Match Report by Nigel
Schofield
13th Feb'10: Derby 36 -
05 Nuneaton
Derby Score all the points!
We have seen a gradual improvement
in the Derby Boys performance over the past few weeks now.
However, nothing could have prepared them for this……….
Nuneaton, a strong club in Rugby terms have always produced
very good colts teams in the past and a hard fought victory
earned by Derby last season was the first time they had
beaten the Nuns for several years.
It was very surprising
that Nuneaton turned up with only 14 players, their coach
explained that he had several players cry off that morning
and, rather than abandon the fixture they decided to travel.
The nuns must be applauded for that and when he asked if we
would kindly lend them a player the Derby coaches in true
Rugby spirit were only to happy to oblige.
In fact that was not the only bit of help Derby gave them.
From the kick off, Nuns tore into Derby, taking several
scrums against the head, bossing the break down area and
pinning Derby in their own half, this led to them creating
several try scoring opportunities. After some good driving
play from their forwards, followed by some neat handling
from the backs, they released the winger (loaned by Derby to
them) to sprint unopposed into the corner for a good try.
Derby 0 Nuns 5 (scorer Ryan Jones Derby Player).
Now! The Coaches were somewhat baffled as to how they
created the overlap, as our winger should have been marking
his opposite number. Both them and the crowd wondered were
he was? Comically, sadly frustrating depending on who’s side
you’re on*. He had decided to wander off the pitch and take
off an under garment he claimed was uncomfortable,
forgetting about the SMALL MATTER of the BALL being in PLAY
and NUNS ATTACKING US! I won’t name him again, the shame of
him knowing he did it is enough! Anyway, changes were made
to the scrum and Derby gathered some composure and slowly
but surely started to fight back and after a brief period of
forward pressure they were awarded a penalty after Nuns were
caught offside at a ruck. The penalty was awarded and
converted by Rory (Stretts) Sharret. Derby 3 Nuns 5. This
proved the catalyst for Derby to raise their game and
despite the Nuns forwards being physically bigger man for
man, the Derby Boys led by Fraser Hughes took the game to
them and after some nice offloading by the forwards, Fraser
was released to run 15 metres for a well worked try that was
converted by Stretts. Derby 10 Nuns 5.
Eddie Worthington & Stretts were now combining well and
creating chances in the backs and after one such move
Stretts was released to sprint 25 meters and score a try,
which he dully converted. Derby 17 Nuns 5.
Half Time came and the
Derby Boys just had to keep up the work rate.
From the kick off Derby continued to dominate and Nuns were
now living off scraps of possession. And when they did get
the ball they were met with fierce and determined tackling.
The Nuns were no longer getting a quick ball from the
breakdown and started taking risks, while trying to move the
ball quickly wide. Stretts read the opposite 10’s pass,
intercepted it and raced away to score another try. Sadly he
missed the conversion. Derby 22 Nuns 5. What a game Sretts
was having!
The Nuns were now under severe pressure, However they never
gave up and started to battle back into the game but one
sensed that Derby were never going to let them off the hook
and, with the backs now full of confidence and Lewis
Thompson fielding the high ball well and making some great
counter attacking breaks from full back, Derby always looked
like scoring again.
With 10 mins to go the forwards again won quick ruck ball
and Jordon (milky bar Kid) Hughes released the backs for Joe
(I’m Injured) Cooper to show good pace and score in the
corner, Stretts converted.
Derby 29 Nuns 5.
The scoring was not over yet as Jordon helped himself to
another try again converted by Stretts.
Final Score Derby 36 Nuns
5.
Yes, the boys could have
played better and yes there is plenty to work on. However,
the Derby Boys needed the win and it was nice to see Jordon
Hughes, Lewis Thompson & Rory Sharret start to show some
real improvement in their game. In general this was a good
team performance.
Next week we return to league action with a home fixture
against Market Bosworth – let’s hope the good form
continues!!!!!
KO 4.00pm straight after the 1st Team Game, why not come and
support
Training - Tuesday, Thursday: 7pm – 8.30pm @ DRFC.
Man of the Match Rory (Stretts) Sharret
Match Report by The Secret Pen
6th Feb'10: Derby 05 -
10 Hinckley
Coaches lose it!
After the determined show in the second half of last weeks
game all seemed back on track, sadly a poor turn out for
last weeks training sessions and then several players crying
off before the game, saw the coaches use unorthodox tactics
to motivate the lads!
After several players turned up without their boots and
other players looking like they had been up all night! The
coaches challenged the boys to show some pride in playing
for Derby and improvements in training and attitude were
demanded.
The grumpy coaches then departed and the boys were left to
sort them selves out for the warm up!
Hinckley, last season’s National Colts Champions were going
to be no push over’s and Derby had some players who had a
lot to prove.
After 5 minutes the Hinckley forwards burst through several
Derby tackles and set up a typical Leicester style driving
maul, which took them deep into the derby 22.
The Derby defence became disorganised and even though the
maul was stopped, the Hinckley forwards were able to pick
and drive over the line, the resulted conversion was scored.
Derby 0 Hinckley 7
A quick glance at the coach’s saw them looking to the sky’s
for some divine intervention and one felt the feeling that
‘this could be a long afternoon!’
The Derby boys now had to dig deep and to their credit
raised their game tremendously. Aggressive competition at
the breakdown saw the lads turn over Hinckley ball and the
game was briefly lit up when Jordon (the milky bar kid)
Hughes made an incisive break only to throw a poor pass to
Rory Toman and see a gilt edged chance go begging!
Derby, far from being disheartened continued creating
chances, the best of which was a decisive break by Eddie
(fast feet) Worthington who side stepped several Hinckley
players on a wonderfully mazy run only to be stopped 2
metres short of the line by the Hinckley full back.
Derby now had the upper hand and continued to put pressure
on the Hinckley line, but Hinckley held firm and on the
stroke of half time they earned a penalty inside the Derby
half and duly converted. Derby 0 Hinckley 10
A happier pair of coaches greeted the boys in the interval
and it was clear that the boys really believed they could
get a result. A few defensive issues were sorted out and the
second half started much the same as the first with Hinckley
dominating possession early, but crucially this time being
held up over the line.
Then Derby fighting back and taking control, a determined
display by Josh Harvey, Enan Kenyon, Fraser Hughes & Joe
(what tackle) Williamson saw them galvanise and push the
team on. James Reid now starting to play the kind of rugby
that led to him being made captain was again excellent under
the high ball and assured in the line out. This gave Derby
the platform to create more chances. And they were finally
rewarded with try scored by Jordon Hughes after good work
from the forwards. The resulting conversion was missed.
Derby 5, Hinckley 10.
With 10 minutes to go you
felt Derby were on their way to a memorable victory but alas
there was no fairy tale ending to this story as Hinckley
defended for their lives and kept Derby out to earn another
hard fought victory.
The Derby lads were dully disappointed as they realised they
could and should have won the game. However, this was a very
good team performance and one they should be proud of.
The mini heart to heart that followed after the game saw a
promise to show more commitment at training.
And as for the grumpy coaches? They were pleased with the
response shown by the boys and reminded them that losing
doesn’t matter its how you lose that counts! Sorry the wife
say’s it does matter!!!!!!!
Come on boys! Training - Tuesday, Thursday: 7pm – 8.30pm @
DRFC.
Man of the Match Rory Sharratt
Photographs from the game
can be viewed in the
Photograph
Galleries
Match Report by The Secret Pen
30th Jan'10: Derby 13 -
22 Melton Mowbray
Better, but not good enough!
Well, the year has started poorly for Derby Colts and for
the 2nd time in the last month they have lost to a
Leicestershire side. However, far from the toothless display
they served up against Syston, they can take great heart
from a 2nd half display that said a lot for their courage
and self belief.
Melton Mowbray have only lost once this season and one can
see why when they arguably have the biggest Colts pack I
have ever seen at this level! They have a driving maul
second to none, not prettiest way to play rugby but very
simple and direct.
Their overall weight and power up front proved to be the
overall difference between the two sides.
Early exchanges in the game saw Derby take the lead with a
penalty from the boot of Eddie Worthington, but then Melton
slipped into their groove and with their 10 starting to get
clean ball, he showed good vision in consistently putting
Derby back into their 22. Despite some valiant defending,
Derby just lacked the physical stature to compete against
the driving maul of the Melton pack and within 25 mins of
the first half Derby found themselves 10-3 down with both
Melton try’s coming from driving mauls.
Melton now had the confidence to try and move the ball
through their backs and Derby again defended well, with the
game now opening up Derby were able to start attacking
themselves, sadly this lead to them turning over the ball in
contact, this allowed the Melton 9 to use his vision and
spot that Derby had no defensive cover. A well executed chip
and chase led to him scoring a nice try with the conversion
converted, Melton now led 17-3 and the feeling was Melton
would cruise to a comfortable victory.
At half time several changes were made and Derby were
challenged to show some heart and determination.
The Derby Boys responded and earned a penalty within 5 mins
of the restart 17-6. Derby continued to fight back led by
the irrepressible Joe Pass, they started to dominate the
game and despite conceding a further try to another driving
maul (22-6 Melton). Derby finished the game the stronger,
later scoring a try from a lovely break from Jordon Hughes
who offloaded to Eddie Worthington who dully scored under
the post and converted (22-13 Derby), Well, game on!
Derby now started to create chances as the Melton Pack tired
alarmingly. Sadly, Derby could not make the most of these
opportunities and Melton hung on for a hard fought victory.
Derby can now build on that 2nd half performance and with
the return of Chris Ruggins who produced a solid display in
the centre, returning from 8 weeks out with a hamstring
injury and serious competition for places now building, this
could yet still be a very successful season.
Next week another stern test a waits the Derby boys who are
due to play Hinckley last seasons National Colts Champions.
Come on boys! Training - Tuesday, Thursday: 7pm – 8.30pm @
DRFC.
Special Announcement:
There will be a Joint Training Session with U16’s & Colts
followed by details of next season’s tour to Portugal. On
Tuesday 2nd Feb
Man of the Match Chris Ruggins
Photographs from the game
can be viewed in the
Photograph
Galleries
Match Report by The Secret Pen
23rd Jan'10: Syston 27
- 05 Derby
Frozen out!
It appears the thaw came too soon for the Derby boys as they
produced arguably their worst performance of the season to
date! Arriving early and full of vigour the boys just never
got going……….
A constant stream of poor decisions with the ball in hand,
indifferent rucking, scrummaging and line out play by Derby
led to Syston thinking Christmas was still here!
Taking nothing away from Syston they played to a controlled
simple game plan of playing rugby in the opposition half,
exerting pressure and taking scoring opportunities when they
presented themselves.
At the final whistle Derby were left to question what they
want to get from a game of rugby as the only thing missing
is the lack of hard work in training! They have shown they
do possess the ability.
Our boys should also note that the Syston lads had been
training all through the cold snap and boy did it show.
Derby will need to raise their game considerably for the
remainder of the season to compete in this league. However,
I strongly believe they can, come on boys lets go that extra
mile……………….
Match Report by The Secret Pen
28th Nov'09: Oadby
Wiggestonian 00 - 26 Derby
Junior Colts to the
rescue!
Derby should have been playing at home this week but in
interests of getting the game played decided to give up home
advantage and play the league match away. This presented
more problems for an already threadbare squad when several
Snr Colts dropped out because they could not travel.
Derby were now left with 14 fit Snr Colts available for the
fixture and once again the decision to amalgamate the Jnr
Colts with the Snr Colts in training paid huge dividends as
Josh Tizard, Josh Pearson & Ryan Hudson stepped up with
solid performances to help the Snr Colts earn a hard fought
victory against a determined Oadby Wiggs side who performed
much better than their lowly league table position suggested
they might.
The first half was largely uneventful with Derby having the
bulk of position but struggling to take obvious
opportunities to score and Oadby defending with great
enthusiasm and creating chances for themselves.
Half time Derby 0 Oadby Wiggs 0.
At half time, it was refreshing to hear the boys point out
for themselves the areas that needed to be improved on, this
showed a growing maturity and the coaches now needed to see
if they could put their solutions into practice.
At the whistle Derby raised their game and the Hughes
brothers combined well for Fraser to open the scoring for
Derby, this was converted by Rory ‘Stretts’ Sharret. Derby 7
- Oadby Wiggs 0.
The Derby boys now began
to dominate Oadby in all areas of the game and were soon
rewarded with a scrum 5 metres out that saw No 8 Ryan Holmes
pick up and power over the line for Derby’s 2nd try again
converted by Rory ‘Stretts’ Sharret. Derby 14 - Oadby Wiggs
0.
Derby were now rampant and
from the resulting Oadby Wiggs Kick Off they scored arguably
their best try of the game with Alex O’Rourke receiving the
kick off and beating several players before off loading to
Ryan Holmes who streaked down the pitch and with the full
back to beat drew him and gave the perfect pass to Tom
Taylor Doors who beat several covering defenders to score
under the post, What a Try!, Converted by Rory ‘Stretts’
Sharret, now staking a claim for the kicking duties. It was
15 mins of second half play that saw Derby streak into a
21-0 lead.
Sadly Derby lost concentration and game started to get
scrappy with several unsavoury moments which resulted in
Derby’s otherwise excellent Joe Pass being shown the yellow
card for retaliation, it is shame the Oadby Wiggs No 8 was
dealt the same punishment. But, the referee who otherwise
had a good game claimed not to have seen the first part of
the incident.
Derby were then forced to make several changes as First Tom
Taylor came off, quickly followed by Lewis ’now 18’
Thompson.
Despite being down to 14 players Derby regained their
composure and put together several good phases of play
pulling the Oadby defence one way then quickly the other to
release Jonathan Murney to round the Oadby Hooker and score
in the corner. The resulting conversion was missed. Derby 26
- Oadby Wiggs 0.
Joe Pass was allowed back onto field; sadly he again lost
his cool in another unsavoury incident that resulted in him
being shown another Yellow Card then a red!
This took the gloss of a very good 2nd half performance that
saw Derby climb to 3rd in the league and secure a place in
the end of season league play off.
The man of the match Fraser Hughes who’s work rate and
intelligent link up play was excellent. Another big plus was
he made it 2-0 in the Bar!
Special mention for the Oadby Wiggs Chef, Top Nosh Mate well
done.
Match Report by The Secret Pen
21st Nov'09: Leicester
Lions 08 - 27 Derby
Boys, boys, boys – do you have to
keep playing like you want to lose the game for the first
hour, before remembering that you can play a good game of
rugby? How many times do some of you have to be told to stop
kicking away possession, and putting the ball into the
opposition’s hands for them to run it back at you? That’s
particularly stupid when you keep trying to do it in the
second half after you’ve been bollocked for doing it all the
first half, and even more pointedly by the coaches and your
team mates in the halftime “pep-talk”, and you carry on
trying to do the same in the second half but now you’re
kicking into a force 10 gale blowing into your face!
That’s the negative comments over and done with – the main
thing is that we came away with a win after playing a game
in the foulest of conditions, with rain and howling wind
making handling difficult. There was also some particularly
strong scrummaging for much of the game, and some of the
work that has been put in on rucking and mauling and
close-in play seemed to have started to pay dividends,
especially one rolling maul in the second half that went a
third of the length of the pitch. The team also did not
react too badly to the frequent changes brought about by our
seemingly inevitable rising injury toll, and people ending
up playing out of position as result.
We set off to a great start with a quick try by MOM Joe Pass
within a minute or two of kick-off, who did a sterling job
not only in kicking off the scoresheet, but also in doing
what he asked to be given the responsibility for – leading
the pack. Joe Cooper got the conversion, just as the gale
began to set in making kicking almost impossible thereafter.
Lewis Thompson got the second try, before the aimless
kicking mentioned above started, letting Lions back into the
game. In fairness to them, they never gave up tackling,
rucking, mauling and scrapping for the ball, and fully
deserved their try, even though when it came it was a “soft
one” with their scorer running the length of the pitch from
with his own 22, and slipping at least four tackles in the
process! 12:5 at halftime with everything still to play for.
The start of the 2nd half saw us trying not to follow the
clear advice given by the coaches at halftime about keeping
the ball in hand, and giving Lions a very soft penalty
opportunity right in front of the posts with the gale behind
their kicker. 12:8, and you could see them start to think
they could turn the game around. Cue our lads at last
deciding that maybe they should do what the coaches had been
trying to tell them to do (or more what not to do!) and also
to put into practice some of the stuff they have been doing
week after week at training and neglecting to do in matches.
The tries then followed, from Joe Cooper, Rory “Stret”
Sharratt and Tom Kirkby and we seriously never then looked
vulnerable again. Yes guys, you can do it, no matter which
players are on the pitch, playing in whichever position they
have to!
Match Report by Nigel
Schofield
14th Nov'09: Melton
Mowbray 17 - 05 Derby
Derby Mauled to death!
Derby arrived at Melton on a cold and very windy day, does
the sun ever shine there I ask myself!
It was always going to be an up hill task for the Derby boys
ravaged by injuries and unavailability, the coaches knew the
squad would be tested to its limits.
Melton didn’t disappoint in that department despite missing
several players themselves they proved how effective a well
constructed driving maul could be.
It was derby who started the stronger despite being against
the wind. However they were severely punished when they lost
the ball in contact and the Melton 10 took full advantage to
clear ball down field, enabling Melton to pin Derby in their
22. After some good defensive work Derby ran out of numbers
against the Melton ‘Power play’ and their pack who were
excellent all day drove over for the 1st converted score.
7–0 Melton. It was clear that this would be a real test of
character for the Derby Boys.
Derby were then further hampered by the injury of their
Captain Callum Schofield. For the 6th week in a row Derby
were forced into a unplanned reshuffle, to Derby’s credit
they responded by scoring arguably the best try of the match
with forwards and backs producing a flowing move that
starting in their 22, and showed they could off load, handle
and Ruck well enough to put the excellent Joe Donnelly over
in the corner. Derby missed the resulting conversion 7-5
Melton.
Derby now had a sniff but due to a loss of concentration at
the restart, handed the initiative back to Melton who
quickly settled back in their forward orientated game. The
wingers do get very cold in that team!
Melton’s set piece play
was generally excellent throughout the game and with their
10 generally kicking well enough to keep Derby on the back
foot. Derby struggled to produce any good ball for there
backs. Numerous driving mauls (I lost count) led to Melton
scoring their second try before half time 12 – 5 Melton.
The second half saw Melton dominate possession without using
it well, Derby lived off the scraps while Melton feasted,
but to Derby’s credit they battled and defended well for
long periods of time before succumbing to yet another Melton
driving maul from a line out and allowed them to score their
3rd and effectively match winning try late into the second
half 17-5 Melton.
Derby need to work hard on their set plays in the future but
can take great heart for their enthusiasm and organisation
in defence.
Derby Man of the Match; Jordan Hughes – with only his 2nd
game at 10 he produced his best performance of the season so
far.
Sadly he can’t drink a pint quickly!! 2-0 to Melton.
Special mention to the Melton chef, top nosh mate.
Match Report by Nigel
Schofield
7th Nov'09: Derby 22 -
18 Market Harborough
No match report but
Photographs from the game can be viewed in the
Photograph
Galleries
1st Nov'09: Matlock 10
- 07 Derby
On an extremely wet morning after
the Halloween night before a mixed (U17/U18) Derby side
eventually arrived at Matlock who were not without their own
problems, missing some backs and carrying a similar number
of hangovers. Mercifully the rain stopped just before the
game started but the wind and wet pitch meant the game was
unlikely to be a feast of running rugby.
So it proved to be, whenever Derby got the ball they
proceeded to make bad decisions in the backs, kicking away
countless possession or running the ball back inside when it
was obvious to most spectators that simple ball out to the
wings would expose the lack of pace in the opposition’s
backs. Matlock playing to their strengths, kept the ball
tight and boshed it up the middle.
It took a little bit of luck for Derby to break the
deadlock, from a scrappy lineout 30 metres out the ball
found its way to Tom Kirkby, playing at 10, he set off on a
mazy run back towards the touchline with Matlock in a bit of
disarray he managed to gas past their forwards and step a
couple of backs on his way to the line for a fine individual
score. Josh Tizard added the 2 points. Despite further
Matlock pressure they were unable to score. 7-0 Derby at
half time.
The second half continued in much the same vein with Derby
giving away ball and then having to defend heroically
against t Matlock’s route one attack. Despite holding up the
ball on numerous occasions Derby’s defences were eventually
breached by Matlock’s hefty pack. The try was converted.
7-7. Derby at last woke up and started to run the ball
however the pitch was now heavy and too many simple passes
were either not given or simply went astray. From another
period of concerted pressure on the line Derby conceded a
penalty which was duly converted. With little time left that
proved to be the final score of the match.
Much credit must go to the Derby team, especially the
forwards, for the way they defended and fronted up but
unfortunately in attack we were a bit limited and too often
took the wrong decision. Well played Matlock and thank you
for hosting the game. Hopefully we can have a re-match after
Christmas.
Match Report by Jon Tizard
10th Oct'09: Market
Bosworth 15 - 36 Derby
Colts
Saturday 10th October saw
a total change of plan after Leicester Lions pulled out of
the planned league game only a couple of hours after
confirming the match, and we found that Bosworth were
looking for a pool game, and agreed to play our scheduled
league game a few weeks early. Unavailability of several
regular players gave us the opportunity to “blood” a few
more U17 players, who acquitted themselves well, and all 22
players who travelled got onto the pitch in a sometimes
scrappy game, in which we really should have dominated more.
The first 20 minutes saw a
rampant and unrattled Derby run in 17 unopposed points, with
the first unconverted try coming from Rory ‘Stret’ Sharratt
after a neatly worked overlap, and the second from Rory
Toman who must have needed a satnav on his weaving run
through just about the whole of the opposition starting in
our half at around midfield and scoring in the right corner.
The third try, from Eddie
Worthington, came from some solid rucking and forward work
staring behind our own 22, with Alex O’Rourke and Ryan
Holmes being prominent, before MOM Chris Ruggins broke
through the Bosworth defence running a beautiful line,
eventually offloading to Eddie who ran half the length of
the pitch to score, and then converted himself to make it
17:0.
Derby then lost focus
after Matt Holton left the field with a knee injury, and not
only failed to put in vital tackles, but also knocked on
several times and gave away needless penalties and free
kicks when in scoring positions, giving Bosworth a way back
into the game with 2 tries, the score being 17:10 at
halftime. Roxy correctly pointed out the need to get back to
basics in his halftime “pep-talk”, which seemed to settle
Derby down to some degree, although there continued to be
some aimless kicking giving away possession, some sloppy
forward work in tackles and rucks, and a few more errors
that saw clear scoring opportunities go begging. Despite
this Joe Pass got the 4th (unconverted) try from a neatly
worked throw-in to the front of a lineout, before Derby’s
defence went to sleep again to let Bosworth back into the
game with their 3rd try. This at last seemed to spur Derby
into a semblance of how we know they can play, and Chris
Ruggins scored a fine “back to basics” try, converted by
Eddie. Unfortunately shortly thereafter Chris left the field
with a hamstring injury, leaving us “centreless”, but with
some shifting of players around, including James Reid moving
from hooker to centre, Derby soon settled back into rhythm,
and Max Argyle scored his debut try for Senior Colts after a
neatly laid-off pass coming from another surging run by Rory
Toman, converted by Eddie to make the final score 36:15.
Overall a good result with
nobody particularly having a bad game, but Derby have to
learn the lessons offered on the day about needing to put
those vital first tackles in; clearing opposition out of
rucks to protect the ball more effectively; keeping doing
the basics well even when trying out the more fancy stuff;
stopping kicking away possession needlessly; slowing the
game down at times instead of rushing and then making silly
errors; and not losing focus after scoring themselves or
replacements coming onto the field. They also yet again kept
getting pinged for being offside because they failed to
listen to the comments and instructions from the ref, and as
Roxy pointed out after the game, it is time for our more
“talented” players to front-up and dominate the game more to
show they deserve their status.
Match Report by Nigel
Schofield
26th Sep'09: Old
Halesonians 35 - 17 Derby
Colts
A hastily arranged friendly saw Derby give some of there
older colts game time with seniors, and give debuts to Sam
Martin, James Groom, Ryan Hudson, Rob Beeston & Nick Burton.
This meant Derby travelled to Old Halesonians with a very
young colt’s side.
Things didn’t start well
for Derby as several cars were delayed by heavy traffic so
the warm up was disrupted.
Derby however put this
behind them and started very brightly. Improved technique at
the breakdown saw Derby secure good quick ball for the
opening 10 minutes and after several spurned scoring
opportunities, were rewarded with a try though a well
executed chip and chase by scrum half Tom Kirkby, the
conversion was missed 5 – 0 Derby.
Derby then suffered a
double blow with winger Jonathan Murney and tight head prop
Rob Beeston having to retire from the game injured.
Substitutions were made but Derby lost some shape and
conceded a well worked try 7 – 5 Old hales. Derby
immediately responded through the forwards with some solid
driving and off loads resulting in Sam Miller powering over
from five meters 10 – 7 Derby. Old hales were now starting
to put Derby under sustained pressure and gained a penalty
late in the first half and converted the conversion 10 – 10
Half Time.
The second half saw Derby
lose there cohesion and a string of poor decisions and
several handling errors saw Old Hales continue to dominate
possession and score two quick tries and a penalty 23 – 10
Old hales.
Things got worse for the
Derby Boys when Sam Martin (ribs) and Tom Taylor Dawes
(Knee) retired injured. The lads now faced 20 minutes with
14 men against a rampant Old Hales, with some notable solid
defensive work by Josh Pearson and captain Callum Schofield.
Derby regrouped and were given a glimmer of hope when Rory
Toman intercepted the ball when it seemed Old hales were
odds on to score and raced 60 metres to score under the post
23 – 17.
Derby raised there game
and for the next 5 minutes threw everything at Old Hales,
but a combination of tired legs and poor decisions cost
Derby and led to Old Hales capitalising on a lose pass and
using the ball well to score a nice try and effectively seal
the game 28 – 17 Old Hales.
It was now about character
and Pride for the Derby boys and it is pleasing to say they
were not found wanting. Sadly they conceded another late
break away try 35 – 17 Old Hales but Derby left the field
thinking about what might have been!
All credit to Old Hales
the game was played in Great Spirit and they also proved to
be great hosts in the Bar. Man of Match - Josh Pearson
Match Reporter - the
secret pen
19th Sep'09: Derby
Colts 15 - 29 Old Northamptonians Colts
Derby Colts drew Old
Northamptonians (‘ONs’) in the first round of the National
Colts Cup. Derby were feeling confident after two
comfortable league wins.
The first 15 minutes were very tight, with Derby taking the
lead after a penalty from Eddie Worthington. This was the
first and last time Derby lead.
ONs then started to up their game and Derby became sloppy;
missing tackles and being out rucked / fought at the break
down. This lead to ONs scoring three tries in the last 15
minutes of the half, making the half time score 3-17.
Derby new it was imperative that they started the second
half well. They needed to make their tackles and be much
more aggressive at the break down, and they did. With 15
minutes of the second half gone Derby had scored two tries
(Tom Taylor-Dawes and Fraser Hughes) with Eddie Worthington
converting one, making the score 15-17 with 20 minutes to
go.
Unfortunately from the restart Derby knocked the ball on,
which immediately put them back under pressure. ONs then
scored through good work by their forwards and the momentum
had swung back in their favour.
Derby had opportunities in the last 10 minutes, but good
defence by ONs and poor decision making kept them out. To
ONs credit they weathered the storm and scored the last try
of the game, making the final score 15-29.
Derby had chances to win the game, but poor decision making
and lack of concentration at key moments proved costly.
Congratulations to ONs.
Match Report by Scott
Johnson
12th Sep'09: Derby
Colts 41 - 00 Coalville Colts
Derby Colts continued
their 100% record in the Leicestershire league with a 41-00
away win at Coalville. The first half started and ended with
Coalville’s forwards putting Derby under considerable
pressure, but they were unable to put points on the board
due to an aggressive and well organised Derby defence. Derby
however looked very threatening every time they moved the
ball and finished the half leading 10 – 0 with tries from
Ross McDonald and Rory Toman.
In the second half Derby’s
forwards were more aggressive and competitive at the break
down, which gave their backs clean, quick ball. Tries
followed with Eddie Worthington and Callum Watson both
scoring two and Josh Pearson one. Eddie Worthington also
added three conversions.
A good team performance
from everybody involved, but special mentions need to go to
Lewis Bracey, Josh Pearson, Callum Watson and Dominic Meehan
who all made their debuts for the Senior Colts and Man of
the Match, Joe Donnelly, whose tackling and work rate were
superb.
Next Saturday the Colts
are in National Colts Cup action against Old Northamptonians
at Derby.
Match Report by Scott
Johnson
